Whatcom County, Washington · Nursing home
Avalon Healthcare Bellingham
5 of 5 overall from CMS
3121 Squalicum Parkway, Bellingham, WA 98225
At a glance
- Overall rating 5 of 5 Above the state average of 3.3
- Nurse time per resident, per day 4.50 hours Above the state average of 4.36
- Nursing staff who left in a year 52.3% Above the state average of 45.1%
- Health citations, last 3 inspection cycles 29 2 at the harm level or above
- Fines in 3 years $32,298 1 fine
- Certified beds in use 63.2% of 105 beds, on an average day
Arrows only show whether a figure is above or below the state average. They are not a judgment of the home.
Avalon Healthcare Bellingham is a 105-bed nursing home in Bellingham, Washington (Whatcom County). CMS rates it 5 of 5 stars overall as of Sep 2026. It reports 4.50 nurse staffing hours per resident per day, above the Washington average of 4.36. CMS lists 1 fine totaling $32,298 in the past three years.
- Certified beds
- 105
- Residents per day (average)
- 66.4
- Certified since
- 1986 (40 yrs)
For profit - Corporation Participates in Medicare and MedicaidPart of Avalon Health Care (16 homes)
Bed use is this site's calculation: average residents per day divided by certified beds. It is an average, so it does not show today's openings.
Terms used on this page
- CMS
- The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the federal agency that publishes the ratings, staffing figures, inspection results and penalties shown here.
- Certified beds
- The number of federally certified beds CMS lists for the home.
- Deficiency or citation
- A federal requirement that inspectors found the home did not meet. Each one gets a letter from A to L for how serious it was and how many residents were affected. What the letters mean
- Actual harm
- Letters G, H and I: actual harm to a resident that is not immediate jeopardy.
- Immediate jeopardy
- Letters J, K and L: the problem caused, or was likely to cause, serious injury, harm, impairment or death to a resident.
- Inspection cycle
- A standard inspection plus the complaint and infection-control citations CMS assigns to it. This page shows the three most recent cycles.
- Special Focus Facility (SFF)
- A home CMS has placed under closer oversight because of its inspection record. More about the program
Questions to ask Avalon Healthcare Bellingham
Chosen from this home's public data.
- CMS lists 1 fine totaling $32,298 in the past three years. What changed after the most recent one?Penalties in CMS data
- Nursing staff turnover is 52.3%, above the Washington average of 45.1%. How often would the same aides care for my relative?Turnover in CMS data
- Reported nurse staffing is 3.84 hours per resident on weekends against 4.50 overall. Who covers Saturdays and Sundays?Weekend staffing in CMS data
More in what to ask on a nursing home tour.
CMS star ratings
- Overall 5 of 5 Washington average 3.3
- Health inspections 4 of 5 Washington average 2.8
- Staffing 4 of 5 Washington average 3.6
- Quality measures 5 of 5 Washington average 4.0
The vertical line marks the Washington average. Ratings run from 1 to 5. How to read CMS star ratings
Nurse staffing
Hours of care per resident per day, as the home reported to CMS.
What these roles do
Nurse aides give most hands-on daily care, such as help with bathing, dressing and meals. Licensed practical nurses give medications and routine nursing care. Registered nurses assess residents and direct their care.
- All nursing staff 4.50 h Washington average 4.36
- Nurse aides 2.50 h Washington average 2.66
- Licensed practical nurses 0.80 h Washington average 0.77
- Registered nurses 1.21 h Washington average 0.94
- All staff, weekends 3.84 h Washington average 3.80
How much nurse staffing is enough? All bars share one scale, 0 to 17 hours. The vertical line marks the Washington average; the national average for all nursing staff is 3.86 hours.
- Nursing staff turnover52.3%
- Washington average45.1%
- Registered nurse turnover41.2%
- Washington average45.4%
- Administrators who left0
Quality measures
CMS calculates these from residents' assessments and Medicare claims. They are shown as published, next to the Washington and national averages. marks the measures CMS uses in its quality star rating; for those, the rating gives more points for a lower rate.
Long-stay residents
| Measure | This home | Washington | U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents whose need for help with daily activities has increased | 15.2% | 14.2% | 13.9% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who lose too much weight | 1.8% | 5.5% | 5.2% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents with a catheter inserted and left in their bladder | 0.0% | 1.0% | 0.8% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents with a urinary tract infection | 0.0% | 1.6% | 1.6% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who have depressive symptoms | 36.3% | 17.7% | 12.8% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who were physically restrained | 0.0% | 0.1% | 0.1% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents experiencing one or more falls with major injury | 3.9% | 2.6% | 3.2% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine | 100.0% | 96.0% | 93.6% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents whose ability to walk independently worsened | 26.0% | 17.2% | 14.1% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents who received an antianxiety or hypnotic medication | 14.8% | 12.4% | 19.5% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine | 100.0% | 93.8% | 95.5% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents with pressure ulcers | 1.6% | 4.3% | 4.6% |
| Percentage of long-stay residents with new or worsened bowel or bladder incontinence | 26.7% | 22.5% | 19.0% |
| ★ Percentage of long-stay residents who received an antipsychotic medication | 5.9% | 15.1% | 15.4% |
| ★ Number of hospitalizations per 1000 long-stay resident days | Too few residents or stays to report | 1.33 | 1.90 |
| ★ Number of outpatient emergency department visits per 1000 long-stay resident days | Too few residents or stays to report | 1.52 | 1.78 |
Short-stay residents
| Measure | This home | Washington | U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Percentage of short-stay residents assessed and appropriately given the pneumococcal vaccine | 97.0% | 88.3% | 82.0% |
| ★ Percentage of short-stay residents who newly received an antipsychotic medication | 0.0% | 1.3% | 1.6% |
| Percentage of short-stay residents who were assessed and appropriately given the seasonal influenza vaccine | 98.0% | 82.0% | 79.8% |
| ★ Percentage of short-stay residents who were rehospitalized after a nursing home admission | 19.2% | 19.9% | 23.8% |
| ★ Percentage of short-stay residents who had an outpatient emergency department visit | 7.7% | 13.4% | 12.0% |
Measure periods: April 2025 to March 2026 for most measures; July 2024 to June 2025 for the flu vaccine measures; January to December 2025 for the hospital and emergency department measures, which CMS risk-adjusts. See the measures on Medicare.gov
Inspection history
Inspectors cited 29 health deficiencies in the three most recent inspection cycles. Of these, 2 involved actual harm; the rest were graded as no actual harm. 7 were cited in connection with a complaint investigation. The most recent citation at the harm level or above was on Apr 24, 2025: Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
| Standard inspection | Health | Fire safety |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 5, 2025 | 10 | 5 |
| Dec 6, 2024 | 11 | 6 |
| Jan 11, 2024 | 8 | 3 |
Washington homes averaged 15.8 health deficiencies in the latest cycle; the national average is 9.2. Each cycle's health count covers the standard inspection on that date plus the complaint and infection-control citations CMS assigns to that cycle.
Health citations, three most recent inspection cycles (29)
-
EPotential for more than minimal harm, pattern
Provide appropriate care for a resident to maintain and/or improve range of motion (ROM), limited ROM and/or mobility, unless a decline is for a medical reason.
Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 5, 2026)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Prevent the use of unnecessary psychotropic medications or use medications that may restrain a resident's ability to function.
Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 5, 2026)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Create and put into place a plan for meeting the resident's most immediate needs within 48 hours of being admitted
Resident Assessment and Care Planning · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 5, 2026)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 5, 2026)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 5, 2026)
Show 24 more
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 5, 2026)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Provide safe and appropriate respiratory care for a resident when needed.
Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 5, 2026)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Ensure drugs and biologicals used in the facility are labeled in accordance with currently accepted professional principles; and all drugs and biologicals must be stored in locked compartments, separately locked, compartments for controlled drugs.
Pharmacy Service · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 5, 2026)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Develop and implement policies and procedures for flu and pneumonia vaccinations.
Infection Control · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 5, 2026)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Educate residents and staff on COVID-19 vaccination, offer the COVID-19 vaccine to eligible residents and staff after education, and properly document each resident and staff member's vaccination status.
Infection Control · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 5, 2026)
-
GActual harm, isolated
Provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new ulcers from developing.
Complaint investigation · Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (May 15, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Immediately tell the resident, the resident's doctor, and a family member of situations (injury/decline/room, etc.) that affect the resident.
Complaint investigation · Resident Rights · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 29, 2025)
-
EPotential for more than minimal harm, pattern
Ensure the activities program is directed by a qualified professional.
Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 3, 2025)
-
EPotential for more than minimal harm, pattern
Provide appropriate treatment and care according to orders, resident’s preferences and goals.
Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 3, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Give the resident's representative the ability to exercise the resident's rights.
Resident Rights · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 3, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Develop and implement a complete care plan that meets all the resident's needs, with timetables and actions that can be measured.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 3, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Provide care and assistance to perform activities of daily living for any resident who is unable.
Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 3, 2025)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Provide appropriate care for residents who are continent or incontinent of bowel/bladder, appropriate catheter care, and appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections.
Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Jan 3, 2025)
-
GActual harm, isolated
Ensure that a nursing home area is free from accident hazards and provides adequate supervision to prevent accidents.
Complaint investigation · Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 19, 2024)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Keep residents' personal and medical records private and confidential.
Complaint investigation · Resident Rights · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 17, 2024)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Respond appropriately to all alleged violations.
Complaint investigation · Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Sep 19, 2024)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Honor the resident's right to a safe, clean, comfortable and homelike environment, including but not limited to receiving treatment and supports for daily living safely.
Complaint investigation · Resident Rights · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Apr 9, 2024)
-
EPotential for more than minimal harm, pattern
Designate a qualified infection preventionist to be responsible for the infection prevent and control program in the nursing home.
Infection Control · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 1, 2024)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Let each resident or the resident's legal representative access or purchase copies of all the resident's records.
Complaint investigation · Resident Rights · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 1, 2024)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Assess the resident completely in a timely manner when first admitted, and then periodically, at least every 12 months.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 1, 2024)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Ensure services provided by the nursing facility meet professional standards of quality.
Resident Assessment and Care Planning · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 1, 2024)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Provide safe, appropriate pain management for a resident who requires such services.
Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 1, 2024)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Ensure each resident’s drug regimen must be free from unnecessary drugs.
Pharmacy Service · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 1, 2024)
-
DPotential for more than minimal harm, isolated
Provide or get specialized rehabilitative services as required for a resident.
Quality of Life and Care · Deficient, Provider has date of correction (Feb 1, 2024)
What severity letters A to L mean
Each sentence above is the requirement that was not met, in CMS's wording. For the inspection results as Medicare publishes them, open this home's page on Medicare.gov and look under "Health inspections".
Penalties, past three years
| Date | Type | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 24, 2025 | Fine | $32,298 |
Washington homes averaged 1.2 fines and $52,633 in fine amounts; the national averages are 0.9 and $30,972.
Cost
Not in the public data. CMS does not publish what a nursing home charges.
Ask the home for its daily private-pay rate and whether a bed is open for your coverage. See what Medicare covers and how Medicaid pays for a nursing home.
Compared within Washington
- Size73 of 193 by certified beds
- Washington average residents per day76.0
- ChainAvalon Health Care
- Chain average overall rating3.4 of 5
- Resident or family councilResident
- Homes in Bellingham6
- Homes in Whatcom County8
Common questions
What is the CMS star rating for Avalon Healthcare Bellingham?
Avalon Healthcare Bellingham has an overall rating of 5 of 5 stars from CMS as of Sep 2026. Its health inspection rating is 4, staffing is 4 and quality measures is 5.
How many beds does Avalon Healthcare Bellingham have?
Avalon Healthcare Bellingham has 105 certified beds. It averages 66.4 residents per day, about 63.2% of its certified beds.
How much nursing care do residents get at Avalon Healthcare Bellingham?
The home reports 4.50 hours of nurse staffing per resident per day, including 1.21 hours from registered nurses. The Washington average is 4.36 hours and 0.94 hours from registered nurses.
Has Avalon Healthcare Bellingham been fined?
Yes. CMS lists 1 fine totaling $32,298 in the past three years.
Does Avalon Healthcare Bellingham accept Medicare or Medicaid?
CMS lists its participation as "Medicare and Medicaid". Ask the home whether a bed is open for your coverage.
Guides for families looking at this home
- Understanding the recordWhat to ask on a nursing home tourQuestions that turn a home's public record into a useful conversation when you tour, plus what to look for yourself.
- Understanding the recordInspection severity letters A to LHow inspectors grade each deficiency by harm and by how many residents were affected.
- Understanding the recordHow to read CMS star ratingsWhat the overall, health inspection, staffing and quality measure ratings cover, and what they leave out.
Nearest nursing homes
- 5 of 5 Alderwood Park Health and Rehab of Cascadia 102beds 67.3%in use 3.98nurse hours a day
- 2 of 5 Rock Hill Health & Rehabilitation 52beds 87.1%in use 3.36nurse hours a day
- 2 of 5 North Cascades Health and Rehabilitation 122beds 86.1%in use 3.74nurse hours a day
Sorted by straight-line distance. This is not a ranking or a recommendation. Compare all homes in Whatcom County
Source: CMS Provider Data Catalog, nursing home datasets processed Sep 1, 2026. CMS Certification Number 505296. See this home's official record on Medicare.gov
See something shown incorrectly? Tell us. This site shows each record as CMS publishes it and cannot change the underlying record.